Associate Attorney Natural Resources & Municipal Law

A law firm seeks an experienced attorney to join its dynamic team, focusing on natural resources and municipal law. This position is ideal for a candidate with 5+ years of legal experience in environmental, water resources, public finance, and governance issues, particularly as they pertain to public agencies such as water districts, groundwater sustainability agencies, and other municipal entities. The firm provides a supportive, fast-paced environment where you will have the opportunity to make an impact on critical infrastructure and community services.

Duties

• Advise elected boards of local special districts that oversee essential infrastructure and community services, such as water, sewer, utilities, and land use.
• Provide legal counsel on governance law, public finance law, environmental law, water law, land use law, and public contracting law, particularly related to public works projects and climate change mitigation.
• Collaborate with a diverse and resourceful team, contributing to client success while also advancing your professional development.
• Participate in public meetings, either virtually or in person, to provide legal guidance and represent the interests of clients.
• Draft and review legal documents, contracts, and agreements related to municipal and public infrastructure projects.
• Engage directly with clients, ensuring their legal needs are met and their interests are represented effectively.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in relevant practice areas, particularly with public agencies and government entities.
• Strong expertise in environmental law, water resources, public finance, land use, and public contracting.
• Comfort with or willingness to learn how to engage in public meetings and interact directly with clients.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills, with an attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and dynamic work environment.
• Willingness to attend public meetings both virtually and in person as required by the position.

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.

Certifications

• Active membership in the California State Bar (or eligible to practice in California).

Skills

• Strong legal analysis and problem-solving skills, particularly in municipal and environmental law.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex legal issues to clients and stakeholders.
• Experience in drafting and reviewing legal documents, including contracts, agreements, and legal memoranda.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Hybrid work environment based in the Sacramento region, offering flexibility in work arrangements.
• Support for work-life balance and ongoing career advancement.

The Sacramento office of this firm represents clients from every area of the state in matters involving water law, natural resources, municipal and public agency, public finance, education, construction, employment and labor, bankruptcy and creditors rights, and related litigation. The work environment is cooperative and the firms attorneys are incredibly down-to-earth; one associate claims she love[s] working as a team with the people here the lawyers, paralegals, even the staff. Billable hour expectations are very reasonable, and compensation is competitive with other Sacramento firms.